Is there such a thing as using your boat too much?

H

hack4alivin

Active Member
TECHNICAL Contributor
Apr 18, 2008
2,518
Joppa, Maryland
Boat Info
320 Dancer
Engines
Twin 350 V Drives
Is there such a thing as using your boat too much? My 2006 320 now has 320 hours on her. I keep up with all regular maintenance; today she is getting new raw water impellers and both engines tuned up. This is just a preventive maintenance deal, not because of any problems. But in browsing around boats for sale most I see in the same year range have much lower hour usage.

Still the boat is in brand new condition just because of the way I take care of it. What are the thoughts about buying a boat that has been run verses one the sits at the dock?
 
Impossible......that is why you bought it right?

I subscribe to Hamptons theory of reducing the cost per hour by using it as much as possible.
 
We add a bit over 100 hours to the motors each season so we are right there with you.

I must admit there are a lot of boats at the Marina that I never see leave the dock.

Some I ever see anyone onboard.
 
Even with lots of hours, you can tell if a boat has been well cared for. I would rather buy a used boat with hours than one that hasn't been taken care of.
 
You bought the boat to enjoy and it appears you are! Use it, take care of it, and don't think about the next guy until that time comes.
 
Heck no!
Use it or lose it. I just wish we had more weekends.
I already killed one weekend for maintenance and will use one more for the same
 
While we haven't gotten out as much as I would like don't think low hours always means not used. We're floaters so unless one of my kids is with us I'll bet we don't put 30 minutes on the engine in an afternoon. I've got 150hrs on our '05.
 
Boats with more hours and use are better if well maintained. I hear of more breakdowns on boats used little. I call this "sititis". Low hours on a boat does not compare with low mileage on a car. My newest boat is a 240 sundeck purchased 5/15 and already has 55 hours. I will probablly double this by seaon end.
 
bartlett said:
Boats with more hours and use are better if well maintained. I hear of more breakdowns on boats used little. I call this "sititis". Low hours on a boat does not compare with low mileage on a car. My newest boat is a 240 sundeck purchased 5/15 and already has 55 hours. I will probablly double this by seaon end.
Click to expand...

That was my thoughts behind this post. I see others at my marina with boats that sit, and they seem to have many problems. We on the other hand (knock on wood) have had a great season. So….. Is it better to use it??? Seems it can be.
 
I think it's great you use your boat so much. Wish I could.

As far as hours on a boat, a boat used, is better. But...you can rack up to many hours for the model year. The value of the boat goes down, because as you rack up hours, the closer you get to rebuild time.

I say, use it like you want and don't worry about statistics.
 
:grin:$AVE more when used more:thumbsup:
1stSeaRay said:
Impossible......that is why you bought it right?

I subscribe to Hamptons theory of reducing the cost per hour by using it as much as possible.
Click to expand...
 
YES. Your using the boat WAY to much......You need to spend more time at work...........Nice boat.
 
I put nearly 4000 hours on our 26 Express and sold it after 7 years with no problem. The depreciation was only around $3,000 if memory serves.
 
According to some admirals, you can even think about using your boat too much!
 
Well, I'd say that's a little "above average" for a northern boat. Notice I didn't say "too much", because my point is that when you sell, your boat's hours will be compared to others (obviously). 100 hours+ per year is more typical for Florida boats.

If you go to sell your 8 year old boat with nearly 1000 hours on the gas engines, and there's an identical one that has 450- all other things being equal- it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know which one will sell first. Particularly when you get near the 1000 hour mark as that's when many people will begin to severely devalue the engines as being close to rebuild time.

With that said, I'd never give it another thought. I wish I was able to use my boat that much- and my boating season never ends. Enjoy the boat- and forget about the rest.
 
Our boat was new in May and we have 78 hrs on her. No plans to slow down. We spend every weekend aboard. Love it!
 
Some guy told me at the dock the other day that I used my boat more than anyone else at the dock. That is why I bought it???????? Right? If I stop using it I will sell it.
 
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